Volkswagen Golf Match BlueMotion Technology 2.0 TDI 5dr Car Review - February 2012

REVIEW
List Price: £21,655
Tax Band: C
Insurance Group: 21
MPG: 65.7
CO2: 114
0-62 Mph: 9.3 secs
BHP: 138 BHP
Range: 795 miles
CarSite Verdict:  3.5/5
This new greener Golf has retained all the qualities that made it one of the strongest brands in the industry. It has great build quality, fantastic reliability and yet remains one of the most practical and spacious hatchbacks on the market.

The BlueMotion 2.0 TDI has managed to fulfil the difficult task of being fun to drive and economical to run. The low emissions and impressive fuel economy mean it has very low running costs.

PROS:  The Golf BlueMotion 2.0 TDI offers fantastic fuel economy yet retains the comfort and panache of previous Golf models. It keeps its value over time and has impressive safety features.

CONS:  The exterior styling looks a little conservative, while the interior is well laid but also fails to excite.

Behind the Wheel

Predictably the Golf BlueMotion 2.0 TDI delivers generous fuel economy - capable of 65.7mpg. This makes it amongst the best performers of its class. In comparison the Vauxhall Astra 2.0 CDTi can only manage 57.6mpg. With acceleration figures of 0-62mph in 9.3 seconds The Golf BlueMotion 2.0 TDI is once again is far better than other green cars.

The handling of the BlueMotion 2.0 TDI is not as impressive as other Golf’s in the range but it will feel familiar to those who have experience with driving older models. It remains responsive and sharp, and even the most experienced drivers will find it fun. The steering feels sharp and effortless and the suspension gives it assured cornering ability as well as making the overall ride quality smooth even on demanding road surfaces.

Looks & Equipment

The BlueMotion 2.0 TDI retains the famous Golf shape and once again it is instantly recognisable. However some critics may feel that Volkswagen has missed the chance to revamp the styling. Little has changed over the years and the subject has the potential to divide fans of the Golf - those who think of it as a design classic that should remain essentially unchanged, and those who feel that a regular tweak now and then could make it more attractive.

Standard equipment includes electric windows all round, cruise control, rear parking sensors, air conditioning, alloy wheels, CD player with MP3 connectivity and Bluetooth. Satelitte Navigation is a costly extra at £1195 and leather seats will set you back £1965.

Practicality, Safety & Reliability

Volkswagen opted to keep the interior of the Golf the same as the previous model so there is no extra room in the BlueMotion 2.0 TDI. However since the Golf was never short of space this does not appear to be a problem. Since it is a medium sized car five passengers may be a bit of a squeeze, but fitting two adults in the rear seats should be relatively easy. The boot is adequately sized though not big enough to impressive. One major negative point is that the rear seats do not fold flat.

The Golf BlueMotion 2.0 TDI scored the maximum of five stars overall in the Euro NCAP safety tests, as you would expect from a Volkswagen. The array of safety features fitted once again put this Golf at the head of its class. Along with stability control there are also front, side and curtain airbags as well as an extra airbag that protects the driver’s legs.

Volkswagen provides a decent warranty. The three year 60,000 mile warranty is backed up by Volkswagen’s reputation for reliability and build quality which is amongst the best in the industry.

Value for Money

The Golf BlueMotion 2.0 TDI is available for £21,500, which is not as cheap as some medium family cars. However the low running costs means that over a long period the car should provide good value for money - insurance is a relatively low 21 and the car falls into VED band C.

Volkswagen Golf Match BlueMotion Technology 2.0 TDI 5dr Car Review - by 
All Volkswagen Golf Reviews
Volkswagen Golf S 1.2 TSI (85ps) 3dr Pre-Model - March 2012
The Golf lacks equipment and technology, but the cars maximum five-star rating assures drivers that this car covers safety measures. It is also efficient and has fairly low CO2 emissions, meaning l...
Volkswagen Golf S 1.2 TSI 3dr Pre-Model - March 2012
The VW Golf has won various awards over the years, and it’s now better than ever. More refined and still great to drive; as a family hatchback it gives everything you’d expect and does it all with ...
Volkswagen Golf S 1.4 TSI 3dr Pre-Model - March 2012
This Golf has a fantastic engine which combines performance and economy with price. However it is a basic Golf model and a lot of people may prefer to spend that little bit extra for the premium fe...
Volkswagen Golf BlueMotion 1.6 TDI 3dr Pre-Model - March 2012
The Volkswagen Golf is the car to beat when it comes to medium sized hatchbacks, and with plenty of space and a driving experience that is still plenty of fun, this is an attractive prospect. The ...
Volkswagen Golf BlueMotion 1.6 TDI 5dr Pre-Model - March 2012
The cars fuel consumption is fantastically efficient and the emissions are low enough to exempt it from road tax and the congestion charge. Bearing this in mind, it also has a relatively good perfo...
Comments
Medium Family Alternatives

You might want to read reviews for other Medium Family cars that you can then compare to the Volkswagen Golf. Here are some popular Volkswagen Golf alternatives:

NEW RELEASE
Jeep Avenger revealed for 2023
NEW RELEASE
Ferrari Purosangue revealed
NEW RELEASE
Ford Mustang revealed for 2023
NEW RELEASE
New BMW M2 has been revealed
NEW RELEASE
Electric SUV coming soon
NEW RELEASE
Popular hatchback gets an update